Low Fat Chick-fil-A Inspired Mac n Cheese
Indulge in creamy comfort without the guilt with this Low Fat Chick-fil-A Inspired Mac n Cheese recipe! A healthier twist on the iconic dish, this recipe uses whole wheat elbow macaroni and a velvety blend of low-fat cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses to deliver that signature creamy goodness while keeping it light. A touch of dry mustard powder enhances the savory depth, while a quick broil creates a bubbly, golden finish reminiscent of the original. With simple ingredients like low-fat milk and unsalted chicken broth, this dish is as wholesome as it is delicious. Perfect for feeding a family in under 35 minutes, this guilt-free mac and cheese proves you don’t have to compromise flavor for a healthier lifestyle.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
- 2 cups low-fat milk
- 0.5 cup unsalted chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups low-fat cheddar cheese, grated
- 0.5 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup low-fat parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon dry mustard powder
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium pot, heat 2 cups of low-fat milk with 0.5 cup of unsalted chicken broth over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Do not boil.
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with a little water to create a smooth paste. Slowly add this paste to the milk mixture, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in 1.5 cups of low-fat cheddar cheese, 0.5 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 0.25 cup of parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with 0.5 teaspoon of salt, 0.25 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 0.5 teaspoon of dry mustard powder. Mix well to combine.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the macaroni thoroughly.
Transfer the mac n cheese to a lightly greased baking dish. Optional: sprinkle a little more cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor.
Place the dish under a preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes until the top is lightly golden and bubbly, being careful not to burn.
Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1982 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.6 g | 69% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.3 g | 156% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 164 mg | 55% | |
| Sodium | 4064 mg | 177% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 214.3 g | 78% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.5 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.6 g | ||
| Protein | 145.2 g | 290% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.9 mcg | 30% | |
| Calcium | 2974 mg | 229% | |
| Iron | 10.3 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 912 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
